ABC of Michigan Statement on the Board of Canvassers Approval-to-Form of Citizen-Initiated Legislation Language to Repeal Prevailing Wage
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2017
CONTACT:
Jeff Wiggins
517.853.2545
wiggins@abcmi.com
LANSING, MI- Today, Mike Houseman, Chairman of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan (ABC) Board of Directors, offered the following statement in support of the Michigan Board of Canvassers’ approval-to-form of petition language to repeal Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Act:
“According to the State of Michigan, there were 200,000 more prevailing wage classifications published last year than there are construction workers in the state. This government mess, created by unelected union bosses and ex-politicians, has resulted in complex, wide-ranging classifications that can differ by more than $100 per-hour from one requirement to the next. It’s time to drain the swamp and end this special-interest mandate
costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars on government contracts compared to identical construction projects in the private sector.”
...
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ABC of Michigan Praises House Passage of Skilled Trades Education Package
For Immediate Release:
March 30, 2017
Contact:
Jeff Wiggins
517.853.2545
LANSING, MI – The Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan (ABC), today, praised the strong, bipartisan support of House Bills 4315 – 4318 in the House of Representatives. The package of bills would broaden curriculum choices required for high school graduation for students interested in a skilled trades education.
“These reforms provide necessary flexibility in our current high school curriculum, allowing students, parents, and educators the chance to explore educational options to for Michigan students,” said Jeff Wiggins, State Director of ABC of Michigan. “Students will now have the ability to astutely craft their curriculum to prepare themselves for a well-paying job in the trades.”
The legislative package, introduced by Representatives Beth Griffin (R-Mattawan), Curt Vanderwall (R-Ludington), Roger Hauck (R-Union Township), and Gary Howell (R-North Branch), would collectivel ...
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MI Senate Makes Prevailing Wage Repeal First Introduced Legislation
For Immediate Release:
January 18, 2017
Contact:
Jeff Wiggins
517.853.2545
​MICHIGAN SENATE MAKES PREVAILING WAGE REPEAL FIRST INTRODUCED LEGISLATION IN 2017
LANSING, MI – Today, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Michigan applauded the introduction of Senate Bills 1, 2, and 3 to repeal Michigan’s archaic “prevailing wage” law and provide for more fiscal responsibility with taxpayer dollars.
“For years, our schools, universities, and state government have been forced to overspend taxpayer dollars on construction projects, instead of hiring the best company for the best price,” said Jeff Wiggins, State Director of ABC. “The fact that these bills were the first to be introduced this legislative session sends a strong message from Michigan taxpayers and their elected representatives that they feel repeal is necessary.”
Senate Bills 1-3, sp ...
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ABC of Michigan Applauds House Passage of Legislation to Protect Right to Operate a Business, Exercise Free Speech
For Immediate Release:
December 7, 2016
Contact:
Jeff Wiggins
517.853.2545
ABC OF MICHIGAN APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO PROTECT RIGHT TO OPERATE A BUSINESS, EXERCISE FREE SPEECH
LANSING, MI – The Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan today applauded the passage of House Bills 4630 and 4643, legislation that protects the rights of Michigan job creators and those exercising their right to free speech.
HB 4630, sponsored by State Representative Amanda Price (R-Park Township), would eliminate language from statute that previously forced employers to notify applicants if a position they were applying for was made available due to labor strikes or lockouts. The bill codifies a 1984 Michigan Court of Appeals ruling declaring the requirement unconstitutional.
“The Michigan Court of Appeals found the language to be a violation of our state Constitution,” said Jeff Wiggins, State Director of ABC of Michigan. “This legislation makes it clear tha ...
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ABC of Michigan Congratulates Endorsed Candidates
For Immediate Release:
November 11, 2016
Contact:
Jeff Wiggins
517.853.2545
ABC of Michigan Congratulates Endorsed Candidates, New House Leadership Team for 99th Legislature
LANSING, MI – The Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan (ABC) congratulated today the 61 ABC-endorsed candidates who were victorious in their election efforts, as well as Speaker-Elect Tom Leonard (R-Dewitt) and the rest of the new House majority leadership team for the 2017-2018 Legislative term.
“This past Tuesday, Michigan voters sent a clear message to Lansing that job creation, responsible budgets, and free market principles should guide the 99th Legislature,” said Jeff Wiggins, State Director of ABC of Michigan. “The people of Michigan made the choice to continue the pursuit of free enterprise and a government that truly serves the hardworking families of this state. The candidates endorsed by ABC of Michigan represent these principles and we congratulate them ...
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Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan (ABC) is pleased to announce Jeff Wiggins will be joining the association as its new State Director. ABC also announced that it will continue to work closely with Chris Fisher as he joins Midwest Strategy Group as Partner with the Lansing-based governmental affairs firm.

“Jeff Wiggins will be an incredible asset for the organization and will play a key role in managing and strategically growing the association,” said Board Chair Mike Houseman, North American President of Wolverine Building Group. “Under the leadership of Wiggins, this new arrangement will lead to new opportunities for ABC members and benefit the industry across Michigan.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) continued its celebration of Careers in Construction Month today by announcing three finalists for its first Young Professional of the Year Award. Finalists were chosen based on their career achievement, leadership and vision for future industry enhancement from a field of more than 100 nominations representing 47 ABC chapters and more than 80 member companies.Read the rest of entry »

“We appreciate the Legislature’s effort to end our current irregular patchwork of rules which is costing us jobs and economic development. The state, rather than 1,800 different political subdivisions, should have the ability to regulate wages and benefits.”

ABC of Michigan is a statewide trade association representing the commercial and industrial construction industries. Dedicated to open competition, equal opportunity and accountability in construction, ABC members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work.